Chapter 37: Entering the Qi Household (3)

He covertly studied his second son, observing how he calmly instructed a maid to add a stool beside the kang. By now, Qi Ying had already taken his seat with composure, his demeanor calm and impenetrable, showing no signs of unease.

Qi Zhang glanced at Shen Xiling again and asked, “Is this Miss Fang?”

Even though Qi Zhang was dressed casually and seated on the kang in a relaxed manner, his years of experience in governance still exuded an imposing aura. Shen Xiling felt her scalp tingle as she bowed deeply and replied, “Greetings, Lord Chancellor. It is indeed me.”

Qi Zhang scrutinized her for a moment before saying, “Your father rendered great service to the Qi family. I should have expressed my gratitude long ago. To only now bring you into the Qi household is indeed tardy. Please forgive us, Miss.”

Though polite, his words carried weight that made Shen Xiling feel deeply unworthy. She quickly responded with deference, “Lord Chancellor flatters me too much.”

Qi Zhang watched as Shen Xiling bowed before him, her speech and conduct impeccable—every movement befitting a noblewoman. However, he recalled that Fang Yukai, her supposed father, was a humble official from a poor family. It was unusual for such a household to raise a daughter with such refined manners, raising suspicions.

Still harboring doubts, Qi Zhang noticed the hand peeking out from Shen Xiling’s sleeve. Unlike the delicate, pale hands of noblewomen, hers bore marks of years of labor, with faint traces of frostbite on her knuckles—a detail that aligned more closely with someone of humble origins. His suspicions eased slightly.

Yet, as someone accustomed to wielding power, Qi Zhang remained cautious. Picking up his teacup and taking a sip, he casually remarked, “Ba Shu is a land of abundance and prosperity, a place where dragons rise. After the southern migration, I accompanied His Majesty on a visit there. The people were industrious and charitable, bringing great satisfaction to the Emperor.”

Setting down his cup, he smiled warmly at Shen Xiling and asked, “It has been many years since I last visited Ba Commandery. Does Miss Fang speak the southwestern dialect? The Sichuan dialect differs from the Wu dialect, possessing its own unique charm.”

Beside them, Qi Ying’s eyes flickered upon hearing this. He realized his father was testing Shen Xiling.

A young girl raised in Jiankang would hardly know the southwestern dialect. Qi Ying furrowed his brow, ready to intervene on her behalf, but Shen Xiling smoothly replied, “I dare not sully Your Excellency’s ears with such coarse vernacular. But if you wish to hear it, I shall humbly attempt a folk rhyme from Ba Commandery.”

Qi Ying’s heart stirred subtly as he saw Qi Zhang nod. Shen Xiling then recited cheerfully:

“Plump child, chubby and cute,

Rides a horse to Chengdu, so astute.

Chengdu’s fun, oh what a delight,

The plump child rides a white steed in flight.

High the horse, tall and proud,

The child wields a saber, cutting through the crowd.

Round the saber spins, swift and grand,

The child eats sweet dumplings, soft in hand.

So many dumplings, oh what a feast,

The plump child leaves behind a trail, at least.”

Qi Zhang didn’t know if this rhyme truly originated from Ba Shu, but Shen Xiling’s accent was impressively authentic, delivered fluently and confidently.

Seeing this, Qi Zhang’s suspicions further diminished. Smiling, he said, “What a delightful accent—Miss Fang, please take a seat.”

A servant promptly brought another stool for Shen Xiling, placing it far from Qi Ying. As she sat down, she stole a glance at him, catching his gaze—half teasing, half approving.

It was as if… he were silently praising her.

Shen Xiling’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit pleased.

Their brief exchange went unnoticed by Qi Zhang but caught Lady Yao’s attention. Unlike Qi Zhang, who doubted Shen Xiling’s identity, Lady Yao’s thoughts turned elsewhere. Observing their interaction, she wondered: Could it be that Jingchen and this Miss Fang…

Ever since Qi Ying’s coming-of-age ceremony the previous year, Lady Yao had been deeply concerned about his marriage. Though she rarely involved herself in court affairs, she was well aware of the complicated ties between Jingchen and Princess Liu. Knowing that the imperial family had bound him, she feared his marriage might be indefinitely delayed.

This troubled her greatly, as she worried such delays might hinder his prospects for a good match. Yet Jingchen had always been aloof, showing no particular interest in any eligible maiden, leaving Lady Yao anxious that the burdens of these entanglements had soured him on the idea of marriage altogether.

Now, seeing how attentive he was toward Miss Fang, Lady Yao felt somewhat reassured. However, another concern arose: How old was Wenwen? Was she too young?

Lady Yao fretted internally and asked Shen Xiling, “May I ask, Miss Fang, how old are you?”

Shen Xiling replied, “Eleven.” Lady Yao nodded thoughtfully, realizing she was indeed young. After a pause, she asked, “When is your birthday?”

Shen Xiling hesitated, glancing at Qi Ying. He hadn’t told her when Fang Yun was born, so how should she answer?

Before Qi Ying could interject, Lady Yao chuckled and said, “Why look at Jingchen? Even with all his abilities, can he determine someone’s birthdate? Just tell us the truth.”

The maids in the room giggled at this, and Shen Xiling’s face grew hotter. After a moment of silence, she replied, “…February twenty-fourth.”

Lady Yao mentally calculated, noting that it was less than two months away. If so, she would turn twelve by then, thirteen in nominal age—right at the cusp of adolescence. In some families, girls married as young as thirteen. With this in mind, Lady Yao felt relieved that Jingchen wasn’t being unreasonable.

While Shen Xiling didn’t notice, both Qi Ying and Qi Zhang understood Lady Yao’s train of thought, exchanging subtle, resigned expressions. Qi Ying cleared his throat, interrupting his mother’s musings, and said, “Today, I’ve brought Wenwen here. If Father and Mother have no objections, she will temporarily reside in the estate. Coincidentally, Master Wang will soon begin teaching at the family school, which will resume shortly. She can attend lessons alongside Yao’er, fulfilling the trust her father placed in me.”

Qi Ying’s words carried double meaning. When he referred to Shen Xiling’s father, he meant Shen Qian, but Qi Zhang and Lady Yao interpreted it as Fang Yukai.

Qi Zhang nodded in approval, while Lady Yao, sitting upright on the kang, took Shen Xiling’s hand affectionately and said, “Good child, consider this your home from now on. Settle in comfortably.”

Leaving Jiāxǐ Hall, Shen Xiling felt as if a great weight had been lifted, her heart noticeably lighter.

Qi Ying accompanied her outside, instructing the servants to move her chest to the courtyard where she would reside. Together, they strolled through the expansive gardens of the Qi estate.

Like Fenghe Garden, the estate boasted many rare flowers and trees, as well as numerous artificial hills and ponds. However, everything here was larger and more intricate, making it easier to get lost amidst the sprawling landscape.

Walking behind Qi Ying, Shen Xiling marveled at her new surroundings, realizing this would be her home henceforth. As she took in the sights, she suddenly heard Qi Ying ask, “You also know the dialect of Ba Shu?”

His voice carried a trace of amusement, suggesting he was in high spirits. Shen Xiling looked up to see his warm, radiant eyes. Struggling to suppress a smile, she replied steadily, “Yes, I prepared in advance, fearing I might slip up.”

Seeing the girl’s obvious pride masked by feigned calmness, Qi Ying couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Encouraged by his laughter, Shen Xiling’s joy overflowed, her lips quirking upward despite her efforts to remain composed. Her bright eyes met his, silently seeking praise.

How could Qi Ying miss it? Indulging her, he praised her gently, “Indeed, very clever.”

His tone was soft, reminiscent of her father’s praise after she completed a calligraphy practice as a child—yet subtly different. Receiving his commendation filled her with happiness, just as it had in her childhood, though something about it felt distinct.

Before she could pinpoint the difference, Qi Ying asked, “Who did you learn from?”

Snapping back to attention, Shen Xiling answered honestly, “There’s a maid named Zijun in Fenghe Garden’s kitchen who hails from Ba Commandery. I learned from her.”

Qi Ying smiled and teased, “Ah, the same one who helped deliver the egg custard?”

Shen Xiling froze, caught off guard that he already knew about that. Lowering her head, she murmured, “Master already knows…”

Qi Ying remained silent, and Shen Xiling, biting her lip, glanced up nervously. Seeing his gentle expression, she realized he wasn’t upset and ventured, “Did the egg custard suit your taste, Master?”

Without answering directly, Qi Ying asked, “Did you often cook as a child?”

Surprised by the question, Shen Xiling nodded. Qi Ying pressed, “Who did you learn from?”

This question transported Shen Xiling back to memories of her life with her parents. Though her father was a man, he excelled in the culinary arts, creating dishes that were delicious and satisfying.

Pulling herself from the depths of her memories, Shen Xiling lowered her gaze and replied softly, “From Father.”

Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Qi Ying regretted his question the moment it left his lips. Seeing the sudden shadow in the girl’s eyes, he realized he had inadvertently reopened old wounds. Guilt weighed heavily on him, mingled with a faint, lingering tenderness.

After a pause, Qi Ying changed the subject, asking, “Earlier, you mentioned your birthday is on February twenty-fourth. Is that true or false?”

His abrupt shift in topic left Shen Xiling momentarily confused. Stammering, she replied, “It’s true…”

Pausing, she added anxiously, “Is there something wrong? I’m not sure about Miss Fang’s…”

“It’s fine,” Qi Ying reassured her gently, his expression tender. “I merely wished to know your birthday.”

The warmth in Qi Ying’s gaze left Shen Xiling momentarily disoriented. After a pause, she murmured, “Why does Master want to know?”

Her tone was playful, carrying a hint of childish coquetry, yet tinged with the innocence of youth.

Watching her reflection in his eyes, Qi Ying softened further, replying, “To prepare a gift for your egg custard.”

Hearing this, Shen Xiling’s lips curved upward despite her attempts to suppress her smile. Playfully protesting, she said, “That’s unnecessary. I already have the fox lantern Master gave me—I don’t need anything else.”

Qi Ying chuckled, neither confirming nor denying her words. After a moment, he said, “Come, let’s visit the courtyard where you’ll stay. If anything is lacking or if there’s anything you desire, let me know.”

Shen Xiling gazed at him as he spoke, his features relaxed and earnest, and felt a gentle warmth bloom in her heart. Obediently nodding, she followed him forward.

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Author’s Note:

What she says: “I already have the fox lantern, so I don’t need anything else!”

What she thinks: “Hurry up! Why wait until the 24th? Can’t you give it to me tomorrow?”

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